How Effective is Job Networking?

The Wall Street Journal reported recently that 94% of successful job hunters claimed that job networking had made all the difference for them. Sixty to 90 percent of jobs are found informally – mainly through friends, relatives, and direct contacts.

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that 63.4% of all workers use informal job finding methods. Mark S. Granovetter, a Harvard sociologist, reported to Forbes magazine that “informal contacts” account for almost 75 percent of all successful job searches. Agencies find nine percent of new jobs for professional and technical people, and advertisements yield another 10 percent or so.

At least 60% of job openings in the U.S. are not filled through advertising, recruiters or other traditional methods. They are filled through job networking and informal contacts. The goal is to move into the hidden, unadvertised job market, using every available resource that contact with other people will provide you.

Current employees are among the best sources of referrals. Many firms report that 40 – 50% of their openings are filled by candidates referred to by staff members. Moreover, companies view such candidates more favorably than those brought in through other methods because they already know something about the organization and have a personal connection with it.

From the article “Network your way to your Dream Job” (http://www.careerplaybook.com/guide/networking.asp)

• You can learn about job opportunities not yet advertised, therefore reducing your competition significantly.
• A job may be specifically created for you based on an employer’s requirement.
• You are in the enviable position of focusing attention on the qualities and strengths you possess.
• Networking provides social contact and personal interaction.
• Rather than having to make a cold calls or attend meetings with people who are unknown to you, you will gain referrals that will make the job search process much easier.
• Job openings can sometimes be created for, you so be opportunistic and flexible. You must actively listen to the communication that is going on around you.
• Networking is a two-way process that can enable you to help others.
• Networking is a proactive job search method.
• Networking puts you in control, setting your own pace and course. It is less stressful than sifting through tons of advertisements and is far more productive over time.

The Do’s of Job Networking: The Don’ts of Job Networking:

• Give recognition for assistance, gifts and referrals.
• Keep in contact with the people on your lists.
• Share your resources, skills, knowledge and ideas.
• Be someone who is involved.
• Deliver on your promises.
• Sometimes just surprise someone with a gift, note or even lunch.
• Recommend people and be sincere in your compliments.
• Keep your contacts updated on new events.
• Always follow up on conversations and referrals

From the article “How to network in order to find a job?” (http://www.cvtips.com/job-search/how-to-network-in-order-to-find-a-job-.html)